The Gospel Music Association continues exciting announcements for the 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Internationally acclaimed author and speaker, Beth Moore, has been confirmed as the guest speaker for the annual nominee luncheon sponsored by the Cantinas Foundation on Monday, October 6th at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. In addition, Grand Canyon University will host the after party for all nominees and partners for this year’s show. Hosted by Bart Millard of MercyMe and Lecrae, the awards show will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 in the Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee at 6:30p.m. and will be broadcast exclusively on The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), Sunday, October 12, 2014. Tickets are still available for the live event at www.doveawards.com or at the Allen Arena ticket office.

Jackie Patillo, Executive Director of the GMA states, “Having Beth Moore as our guest for this year’s Dove Nominee Luncheon is a blessing and something we are all looking forward to. She inspires and challenges people worldwide and I know she will do the same for our creative community. Additionally, it is our great pleasure to have Grand Canyon University partnering with us this year to host the after party. It is important to find great partners as we continue to foster relationships that have a shared vision in spreading the gospel through music.”

New this year, the GMA has unveiled a Dove Awards mobile app in partnership with Logos Bible Software and the Bible Journal App. In addition to the latest Dove Awards news, the app provides Scripture and journal reading plans. Click HERE to download.

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announcesNewsboys and current Dove Awards nominees Kari Jobe and Love & The Outcome to join the star-studded line up of performers. Amy Grant and Dove Awards nominee Tye Tribbett are also additions to the presenters list of the 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards, hosted by Bart Millard of MercyMe andLecrae. The awards show will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 in the Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee at 6:30p.m. and will be broadcast exclusively on The Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), Sunday, October 12, 2014. Tickets are still available for the live event at www.doveawards.com or at the Allen Arena ticket office.

The GMA annually gives out special awards to entities and individuals that have had a significant impact on the Christian and Gospel Music industry. This year Hillsong is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, while SiriusXM will be honored with the Outstanding Mainstream Contribution to Gospel Music Award. Additionally the GMA will also be awarding Eddie DeGarmowith the Impact Award and Akintunde with the Grady Nutt Humor Award. “All of our special awards recipients have made an indelible mark on our industry and we are thrilled to be honoring their contributions and highlighting their legacy,” says GMA President and Executive Director Jackie Patillo

These special awards will be given out during the Dove Awards pre-show that is being co-hosted by nominees Meredith Andrews and Jonathan McReynolds. The pre-show begins at 2pm (CT) and will stream live at www.hearitfirst.com/live.

GMA Dove Awards to air on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) Sunday, October 12

The Gospel Music Association has announced the latest additions to the presenter and performer roster for the 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards including: music icon and 2003 GMA Hall of Fame inductee Pat Boone; Dove and Grammy Award winnerMandisa; singer/songwriter and “American Idol” contestant Danny Gokey; BET’s “Celebration of Gospel” host and Dove winner Dr. Bobby Jones; the Nashville Super Choir supporting Hezekiah Walker; a star-studded southern gospel medley featuring the talents of Brian Free & Assurance,Karen Peck & New River, Wayne Haun and Ernie Haase. The GMA Dove Awards will take place on Tuesday, October 7 at Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn.; and will be taped for broadcast on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) on October 12, 2014.

David and Tamela Mann, Al and Lisa Robertson of Duck Dynasty and Sandi Patty added as presenters

Ben Glover, David Garcia, Chris Tomlin, Chris Stevens and Jessie Reeves announced as nominees for Songwriter of the Year

The 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards to air on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN)

Nominee luncheon to be held Monday, October 6th at The Schermerhorn Symphony Center sponsored by the Cantinas Foundation

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announces more presenters and performers to appear at the 45th Annual GMA Doves Awards (www.doveawards.com). Current nominees set to appear are forKing & Country, 1 Girl Nation, Ellie Holcomb, Tedashii,David and Tamela Mann, Al and Lisa Robertson of Duck Dynasty and Sandi Patty. The Dove Awards will take place on Tuesday, October 7 at Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn.; set to air on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) on October 12, 2014. For Dove updates and breaking news, please visit the Gospel Music Association’s social networks.

These top artists will join the recently announced co-hosts Bart Millard of Mercy Me and Lecrae, as well as Natalie Grant, Hezekiah Walker, Erica Campbell, Capital Kings, Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton, author Karen Kingsbury and Bill Gaither as participants on the show. The pre show hosts include Dove nominees Jonathan McReynolds and Meredith Andrews.

In addition, nominees for Songwriter of the Year have been announced as:

Songwriter of the Year

Ben Glover

David Garcia

Chris Tomlin

Chris Stevens

Jessie Reeves

GMA Executive Director notes, “Our 45th awards season is a milestone and testament to the industry, the artists and the fans and we continue to recognize excellence in our marketplace. Our mission is to be the face of the industry enhancing the word of God through music. The GMA is celebrating 50 years of service and look forward to 50 more. With the amazing talents representing our mission through song, we are more than elated to see them receive such recognition for their work on this, Gospel and Christian Music’s Biggest Night.”

Once again, the nominee luncheon will be sponsored by the Cantinas Foundation and will be held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville. “Congratulations to all of this year’s Dove nominees. On behalf of the Cantinas Foundation, we want to thank you and bless you for that you are doing for the kingdom. May the Lord send you a fresh wino of His spirit as you continue and to inspire and touch other through your music,” says Wendy M. Hughes, Director, Cantinas Foundation.

The 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at Allen Arena in Nashville, Tennessee at 6:30pm CT. The show will air exclusively on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), America’s most watched faith channel on October 12, 2014. The pre show, red carpet and behind-the-scenes will be airing on www.hearitfirst.com. Tickets are available now atwww.doveawards.com. For a complete list of nominees, please visit www.doveawards.com/nominees.

Acclaimed Actress, GRAMMY® Award Nominee, NAACP Image Award-Winner, and Dove Award-Winning Singer TAMELA MANN took home two GMA Dove Awards last night during the 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards at Allen Arena on Lipscomb University’s campus in Nashville, Tenn. Tamela took home trophies for Traditional Gospel Song and Traditional Gospel Album of the Year for her mega-hit single “Take Me To The King” and outstanding collection of songs on her album Best Days.

“I give praise and thanks to the Lord – what a blessing!” said Tamela. “I’m thankful to everyone for their support of my music. I’m honored to be recognized by the GMA, and I want to give all of the glory to Him.”

Tamela performed a compelling medley of “Take Me To The King” with her new single, “I Can Only Imagine” backed by her band during the show. Her soaring vocals and passionate delivery brought the captivated audience to their feet, joining her in worship.

Tamela releases her BEST DAYS DELUXE EDITION CD on October 29 through her independent label Tillymann Music Group and Central South Distribution. The deluxe version features five new recordings including three live versions of Best Days hits and two new songs. The Best Days Deluxe Edition contains live versions of concert fan-favorites “Guest of Honor,” “Best Days,” and “Take Me To The King,” which is featured in a medley with “I Surrender All.” It also includes an updated version of the classic Kirk Franklin/Tamela Mann collaboration “Now Behold The Lamb” and newly released Gospel radio single “I Can Only Imagine.”

Tamela’s CD, Best Days, debuted at #1 in 2012 on multiple music sales charts, including bothBillboard’s Top Gospel Album Chart and Billboard’s Top Christian/Gospel Chart and the Christian Music Trade Association’s (CMTA) Current Gospel Overall Chart. Best Days has been in the top five since its release and #1 on Billboard’s Gospel sales chart for 21 weeks. “Take Me To The King” spent 25 weeks at #1on Billboard’s Gospel Radio Chart.

Tamela received her first GMA Dove Award in 2010 for her album The Master Plan.

Motown Gospel’s Tasha Cobbs won big at the 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards ceremony last night at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville, TN. The vocal powerhouse also performed her international anthem “Break Every Chain.” The broadcast will air Monday, October 21 at 8:00 p.m. EST exclusively on UP cable channel.

Cobbs garnered top awards for “Break Every Chain,” including Gospel Performance of the Year, Contemporary Gospel/Urban Song of the Year. Her Top 5 Billboard album, Grace, won Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the Year. During her acceptance speech, Cobbs said, “My desire is for everyone under the sound of my voice to experience God in the manner in which I experience him. So, when you talk about ‘performance of the year,’ it never fails that every time I step out desiring more of him, He never ceases to perform.”

Cobbs’ “Break Every Chain” was #1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart for seven consecutive weeks. The single continues to climb the Urban Adult Contemporary radio chart. This week, Grace moves up to #4 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart and has never fallen below #6 since its February 5 release. Grace is produced by multiple award-winning recording artist and producer VaShawn Mitchell.

During this awards season, Cobbs will be very busy: She received her first-ever Soul Train nomination for Best Gospel/Inspirational Performance. She is also scheduled to perform on the Trumpet Awards, airing early 2014. This fall, she continues on the Break Every Chain Tour with concert appearances scheduled at WBLS’ flagship event Circle of Sisters in New York City, NY (October 20); the WXOK Anniversary Concert in Baton Rouge, LA (October 21); the Centennial Park Breast Cancer Awareness event in Atlanta, GA (October 26) and numerous other scheduled performances for the remainder of the year.

The 2013 Dove Award Nominees were announced yesterday and there are a few pleasant surprises on the list such as Jonathan McReynolds and Anthony Brown and Group theRapY. Anita Wilson made the cut and Tamela Mann appears in several categories. We’re praying for her (Tamela) because she is an awesome artist. I would love to see her come home with a Dove Award.

The process isn’t over yet though because the Pro Members and imembers of the Gospel Music Association have to vote next and the Second Ballot Online process begins on September 3rd. The actual show is on Tuesday October 15th in Nashville Tennessee. If you are not a member of GMA please log onto their site and beccome one today.

Tamela Mann backstage at the Dove awards – photography by Candace Hight of Remember When Photography

David Mann hosted the Dove Awards with Chondra Pierce and he did an excellent job. Tamela Mann was absolutely stunning in a cherry red gown at the Dove Awards backstage as she spoke about her experience with Whitney Houston in the upcoming moving “Sparkle” in which she has the role of Whitney’s best friend.

Tamela also has a CD coming out on in 2012 entitled “Best Days”.

Enjoy what Tamela had to say backstage.

What do you all enjoy cooking together?

Tamela: My favorite dish that I cook for them is Meatloaf

David: Meatloaf and her momma’s yams

Tamela went on to tell us that David barbeques at times and she does the side dishes. They are currently shopping their cooking show “Hanging with the Manns” to different networks and they hoped to have a home for it by the end of this year.

They stated that they consider cooking an adventure and I’m sure that this will come through on the show. David mentioned a time where Tamela wanted to go to a ranch in 120 degree weather to ride horses and after that they made homemade chilli. They also went to the Bahamas and cooked authentic food while there so their show is not just cooking. They like to have fun.

Tamela and David are an awesome couple! The Manns are celebrating 24 years of marriage in 2012 and she showed off her ring and gave relationship advice that basically told the ladies to wait on God to send their husband. David added that one should spend more time getting to know the person and less time planning the wedding.

Can you talk a little bit about your role in Sparkle.

Tamela: I am in Sparkle. Hallelujah! It was really really wonderful to work with Whitney. I was really hurt when all that happened. She was such a sweet lady and she really loved the Lord. No joke. All of my scenes are with her as her best friend. It was such a joy and a great experience. It’s going to be a great movie and she’s going to be singing in the movie. So it is going to be something to see and hear.

Be on the look out for the Cooking Show and Tamela’s new CD this year!

“This award further affirms the exceptional quality of music on this album, which has not only inspired audiences with the life-changing story of Christ, but also moved them to respond by helping change the story of a child in need,” said Michael Bianchi, director of World Vision’s Artists program.

GMC will world premiere the GMA Dove Awards on April 24, which will include a World Vision-sponsored 12-minute medley featuring three of the songs from “The Story,” including performances by Michael Tait of Newsboys, Blanca Callahan of Group 1 Crew, RAWSRVNT, Todd Smith of Selah and Natalie Grant.

“Our prayer is that this award and telecast will expose many more to this one-of-a-kind project, which carries the powerful message that we can help change the story of thousands of children around the world who are longing for fullness of life,” added Bianchi, who is at the Dove Awards in Atlanta this week.

Proceeds from the sales of “Music Inspired By The Story” benefit World Vision’s ministry among the world’s most vulnerable children, helping to strengthen their bodies through clean water, sanitation and malaria prevention, protect their futures from harmful practices such as child labor or sexual exploitation, and bless their spirits through opportunities to hear about God’s love for them. Listeners can also choose to sponsor a child in need, extending their impact over several years of a child’s life and helping to transform that child’s entire community.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (April 20, 2012) – Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Lecrae (Reach Records), walked away with top honors this evening at the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards (www.doveawards.com). Garnering two Dove’s in major categories, Lecrae won Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year: “Hallelujah,” (Rehab) and Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year: Rehab: The Overdose.

In addition to his Dove Award wins, Lecrae also took the stage for a special award show performance alongside Dove nominated artist and label mate Tedashii. Both joined the powerhouse talent that included special appearances by Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin, Jason Crabb, Jamie-Grace, Kim Burrell, Kari Jobe, Danny Gokey, Ruben Studdard, Mandisa and more.

Having established himself as the frontrunner of Christian Rap, Lecrae broke into the Billboard Top 200 Albums debuting at No. 17 with REHAB, while reaching No. 3 on the Top 10 Albums chart on iTunes. With an offering of rehabilitation found in Christ alone, Lecrae also maintained his established base, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Contemporary Christian chart and No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. The impact of this album continues to spread across the globe, receiving nominations for several awards including a Grammy for Best Rock/Rap Gospel album.

The Dove Awards is Christian/Gospel music’s biggest night of the year, where top artists from every style of gospel music come together for a night of music and celebration as the GMA bestows the industry’s highest honor. This year’s awards show was held at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA and will be nationally televised on GMC TV April 24 at 8 PM and 10 PM ET. For more information, please visit www.doveawards.com or www.gospelmusic.org.